Thursday, November 5, 2015

Using a Safety Pin on Shabbat

Sewing is another of the 39 melachot forbidden by the Torah to do on Shabbat. One who tied the end of the thread and sewed two stitches has transgressed the Torah's prohibition. This is in addition to the prohibition against tying a lasting knot on Shabbat (See DSH from May 11, 2014). A person who did not tie the end of the thread and sewed three or more stitches has also transgressed the Torah's prohibition since even without the end of the thread being tied the stitches will last. One who without tying sewed two stitches has transgressed a Rabbinic prohibition. However, it is entirely permissible on Shabbat to hold together pieces of cloth using only a needle with no thread. Therefore, a person who discovered a tear in a garment may put in a safety pin on Shabbat to hold it together.

DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org